Metadata changing file structure

[Reckless Erik]

I have a problem with a bwav file that I was editing metadata in whilst in the project browser in PT10. It now seems the file structure has been permanently damaged and now this particular file playbacks white noise from approx one third of the way into the file. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AVID!
The original file is probably lost so a backup is not available. Who do I sue?
Very peeed off.

[Reckless Erik]

Found a backup. 7Mb file size difference between the corrupted and non-corrupted. Non-corrupted being the larger. I want answers please AVID. I can send you the files if you like.

[Sonopolis]

Did this happen one time only or is it reproducible? Can you describe what you have done in the project browser so we can verify? This sounds dangerous indeed.

[Reckless Erik]

This has been a problem for me here for some time, not just the incident I am talking about. The difference is that now the change is permanent. Prior to this changing the metadata has resulted in the white noise disappearing after closing and reopening the session. I am reluctant to test this further for obvious reasons!!!!

[Reckless Erik]

Ok. Results of some prelim research. It seems that .wav files NOT created by ProTools (ingested field recorder files for example) suffer from this problem. .wav files that were created in PT allowed for metadata adjustment with no nasty side effects. Files that came from outside PT (in test case from a Roland R88) were a problem. Each metadata field that was changed resulted in a SWOD. It also randomly resulted in the white noise phenom. The larger the file the longer the SWOD. Test continuing.....

[Reckless Erik]

Further testing:
This workflow is for field recorder files (24 bit 48KHz)
For files originated in Sound Devices 744 / Roland R88 the following is repeatable. Files originating in Cantar have so far proved immune!
Select file/region in PT timeline.
Open project browser. If not already done, select same file/region
Adjust metadata field "scene" for example (write something!)
SWOD appears. When SWOD disappears select clip on timeline.
shift-alt-3 on the clip and...
You have a clip that is now white noise!
I have repeated this with different files (all wav though) and on 2 different hosts (Mac Mini and MacBookPro) running 2 different operating systems (10.8.5 on the mini and 10.9.2 on the laptop) with PT 10.3.8 running native. After a hefty refreshing cuppa I will try PT 11. Ermm PT 11.1.2 exhibits the same thing. The kettle took a long time to boil.

[bassmagnetic]

Its over a year since your post but I'm having exactly the same issue with 11.3.1. Did you find a workaround?
After changing metadata audio files (from field recorder) become white noise. The file itself hasn't seemed to have changed; if I open it in another audio program it plays fine. But in PT there is no way to make it play, if I drag it in from outside PT, if I audition it in the workspace or import the audio it just plays back as white noise.... HELP!

[Reckless Erik]

Hi bassmagnetic. At the moment AVID have not even acknowledged this problem. The best fix I can suggest is consolidating the media within PT. The metadata that is already there will stay and PT then stamps the files too. That seems to help. Afterwards you can edit the metadata all you like and the white noise problem will not occur. I know you then have dupes of everything but I found it best not to mess with the original filed recorder files, just in case!! Good to have a backup of everything too!
All the best, Nick

[bassmagnetic]

Thanks Nick, appreciate the response. Maybe they would do something about it if they had white noise at 0dbfs coming at them out of their monitors!
I will try the consolidating way. Yesterday I was trying for a workaround and found if I removed the file from the workspace browser session files (which unfortunately deletes the references in the edit too) and re-import the audio, there is no white noise, but obviously a complete faff with having to resync that file. Does the consolidation have to be done before you hear the white noise, or can it be done after?

[Reckless Erik]

Most definitely before!.So that work flow remains consistent I always keep the original filenames. Saves time for when I need to relink to an aaf from the picture editor.